Morning Wire: Banning Food Dyes & Pope Francis Funeral | Afternoon Update | April 22, 2025

Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, Morning Wire delivers comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in politics, culture, education, sports, and more. In this episode, the hosts discuss significant events including the funeral of Pope Francis, RFK Jr.'s initiative to ban petroleum-based food dyes, Harvard University's legal battle with the Trump administration, President Trump's endorsements in the Arizona GOP primary, Karen Reed's second murder trial, and Senator Elizabeth Warren's defense regarding President Joe Biden's mental acuity.

1. Pope Francis Funeral Preparations

John Bickley opens the episode by detailing the arrangements for the funeral of Pope Francis. The event is scheduled for Saturday outside St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Vatican has emphasized that the funeral will feature simpler rites to honor the pope's humble style.

“The Vatican has announced that the funeral will feature simpler rites in order to reflect the pope's humble papal style.” [00:15]

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Rey will preside over the service, expected to attract dozens of world leaders, including President Trump. Pope Francis's body is currently at Casa Santa Marta and will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday for public viewing. The Vatican also mentioned that after the funeral, 135 cardinals will convene to elect the next pope.

“The pope's body is currently resting at Casa Santa Marta and will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday for public viewing.” [00:15]

2. RFK Jr. Seeks to Ban Petroleum-Based Food Dyes

Nathan Gay introduces the segment on RFK Jr.'s initiative to ban petroleum-based food dyes. Daily Wire researcher Nathan Gay provides an in-depth look into the proposed ban.

“RFK Jr. is set to ban petroleum-based food dyes.” [01:13]

A Health Expert explains that the Health and Human Services Secretary plans to direct food manufacturers to phase out eight specific food dyes by the end of 2026. The targeted dyes include Red No. 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, and Orange B. These dyes have been criticized for potentially causing hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues in children.

“The directive will affect hundreds of thousands of grocery store items containing the dyes, which health experts have long criticized for potential causing hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in children.” [01:20]

The food industry anticipates reformulation costs could soar into the billions, though many companies have already developed alternative formulations for their products in Europe and Canada.

3. Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over Frozen Funding

John Bickley transitions to the contentious relationship between Harvard University and the Trump administration. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce provides the latest updates.

“Harvard is suing the Trump administration to try to restore frozen taxpayer funding.” [01:59]

Tim Pierce reports that Harvard filed a lawsuit in federal court on Monday, marking a significant escalation as the administration intensifies its crackdown on elite universities amidst concerns over anti-Semitic activism on campuses. Following pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas protests after the October 7 terror attack on Israel, the government froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts to Harvard last week. There is potential for an additional $1 billion in funding to be frozen after Harvard released a letter of demands regarded by Trump officials as private correspondence.

A White House spokesman commented on the matter:

“Instead of grandstanding, Harvard should focus on rebuilding confidence among all students, particularly Jewish students.” [02:52]

4. President Trump's Endorsements in Arizona GOP Primary

In a politically charged update, Nathan Gay highlights President Trump's endorsements in the Arizona GOP primary race for governor. Daily Wire deputy Managing editor Tim Rice elaborates on the implications.

“MorningWire President Trump is endorsing two Republicans facing off in Arizona's GOP primary for governor.” [03:06]

Tim Rice reports that Trump is endorsing Karen Taylor Robson, a businesswoman, and Representative Andy Biggs. Trump praised both candidates as "terrific people" and "wonderful champions."

“Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my great honor to give my complete and total endorsement to both.” [03:18]

Robson received Trump's endorsement in December before launching her campaign, while Biggs entered the race in late January and has since garnered Trump's support.

5. Karen Reed's Second Murder Trial Begins

John Bickley updates listeners on the high-profile case of Karen Reed, who has returned to court for the start of her second murder trial.

“Karen Reed returned to court Tuesday for the start of her second murder trial.” [03:58]

Reed is accused of hitting her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with her SUV in 2022, a charge she denies. Her defense argues that the alleged murder is part of a police cover-up. O'Keefe was discovered dead in the front yard of a friend's home, with causes of death attributed to blunt force trauma and hypothermia. Following a mistrial declared last year due to an inability of jurors to reach a verdict, the case resurfaces amid significant public and political attention.

Supporters have been rallying outside the Superior Court in Dedham, Massachusetts, demonstrating their support for Reed.

6. Senator Elizabeth Warren Defends Claims on President Biden's Mental Acuity

Nathan Gay discusses Senator Elizabeth Warren's efforts to defend her previous statements regarding President Joe Biden's mental acuity. An exchange from a podcast featuring host Sam Fragoso sheds light on this contentious issue.

“Senator Elizabeth Warren is trying to defend her claim last year that Joe Biden was not suffering mental decline.” [04:34]

During the podcast, Sam Fragoso presses Warren on her earlier remarks:

Sam Fragoso: “Do you regret saying that President Biden had a mental acuity? He had a sharpness to him. You said that up until July of last year.” [04:47]

Elizabeth Warren: “I said what I believe to be true.” [04:55]

Fragoso continues to challenge her stance:

Sam Fragoso: “And you think he was as sharp as you?” [04:57]

Elizabeth Warren: “I said I had not seen decline and I hadn't at that point.” [05:00]

Fragoso further probes:

Sam Fragoso: “You did not see any decline from 2024 Joe Biden to 2021 Joe Biden.” [05:05]

Warren maintains her position:

Elizabeth Warren: “Not when I said that you know, the thing is he look, he was sharp. He was on his feet. I saw it live event. I had meetings with him a couple of times.” [05:09]

Fragoso counters:

Sam Fragoso: “Senator, on his feet is not praise. He can speak in sentences. Is not praise.” [05:22]

Warren concedes:

Elizabeth Warren: “Alright, Fair enough. Fair enough.” [05:30]

This exchange highlights the ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding President Biden's cognitive health and Senator Warren's previous statements.

Conclusion

John Bickley wraps up the episode, reminding listeners to visit dailywire.com for more detailed coverage on these stories. He also hints at other major stories covered earlier in the week, including discussions on Pope Francis's legacy and the Democrats' leadership and strategy challenges.

“In case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including the legacy and likely successor of Pope Francis and Democrats leadership and strategy crisis.” [05:33]

Listeners are encouraged to tune in the following morning for another comprehensive edition of Morning Wire.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley: “The Vatican has announced that the funeral will feature simpler rites in order to reflect the pope's humble papal style.” [00:15]

• Tim Pierce: “Instead of grandstanding, Harvard should focus on rebuilding confidence among all students, particularly Jewish students.” [02:52]

• President Trump: “Two fantastic candidates, two terrific people, two wonderful champions, and it is therefore my great honor to give my complete and total endorsement to both.” [03:18]

• Sam Fragoso: “Senator, on his feet is not praise. He can speak in sentences. Is not praise.” [05:22]

This episode of Morning Wire provides listeners with detailed insights into pressing issues affecting politics, education, public health, and more, ensuring they stay informed with credible and straightforward reporting.